arsenate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “arsenate” mean?
A chemical compound containing the arsenate ion, typically a salt or ester of arsenic acid.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound containing the arsenate ion, typically a salt or ester of arsenic acid.
Refers broadly to any substance where arsenic is in its pentavalent state, combined with oxygen; commonly encountered in geology, environmental science (as a contaminant), and historical uses (e.g., pesticides).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical negative connotations related to toxicity and pollution in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in general use, but equally standard in scientific contexts in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “arsenate” in a Sentence
arsenate of [metal, e.g., copper, lead][contaminated, high] levels of arsenatethe arsenate ion (AsO₄³⁻)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arsenate” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The arsenate levels were concerning.
- Arsenate contamination is a major issue.
American English
- The arsenate concentration was measured.
- Arsenate remediation techniques were reviewed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts like environmental consulting, mining, or water treatment reports ('remediation of arsenate').
Academic
Common in chemistry, geology, environmental science, and toxicology papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary register. Used precisely to specify the As(V) oxyanion species.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arsenate”
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “arsenate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arsenate”
- Mispronouncing it as 'ar-SEE-nate' (correct stress is on the first syllable).
- Confusing 'arsenate' (As V) with 'arsenite' (As III) which have different chemical properties and toxicity.
- Misspelling as 'arsenite' when the pentavalent form is meant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Arsenic' is the element (As). 'Arsenate' is a specific compound containing arsenic in a +5 oxidation state, bonded with oxygen.
Arsenate compounds are generally toxic, but their solubility and bioavailability vary. They are regulated as environmental pollutants.
It is highly unlikely and would sound very technical. In everyday contexts, people would simply say 'arsenic' or 'arsenic poisoning'.
Arsenate contains pentavalent arsenic (As V), while arsenite contains trivalent arsenic (As III). Arsenite is generally more toxic and mobile in biological systems.
A chemical compound containing the arsenate ion, typically a salt or ester of arsenic acid.
Arsenate is usually technical/scientific in register.
Arsenate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɑːs(ə)nət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːrs(ə)ˌneɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'ARSENic' + the ending '-ATE' common in chemistry for salts (like sulfate, nitrate). So, an 'arsen-ATE' is a salt from arsenic acid.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOXIC SUBSTANCE AS POLLUTANT / HIDDEN DANGER (e.g., 'arsenate lurks in the groundwater').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'arsenate' MOST commonly used?